On Tuesday, May 2 at 11:30 a.m. in the BYU-Idaho Center, Brett Crandall, public affairs director, delivered his devotional address. He focused his message on finding truth in both worldly and gospel aspects and what to do with it.
Crandall likened finding truth to that of a good news reporter. He mentioned that a good reporter is aware of his surroundings whether it be at work, at home or in general. He shared three things that can be done to seek truth in a gospel setting more diligently:
— Be watchful and heed warnings
— Rely on trustworthy sources
— Seek the spiritual gift of discernment
He continued by explaining that differentiating fact from fiction, while difficult, is something the Lord is aware of and has warned His children of through prophets and apostles.
“The Lord did not say it would be easy to tell the difference,” Crandall said. “He said the elect would be deceived. In addition, the prophet has warned us, and his warning has been repeated numerous times both at general conference and in this pulpit.”
Crandall went on to share experiences of watching the news as a child and always trusting the anchors and reporters on those broadcasts. He related this to Joseph Smith’s craving for truth as a young boy. He pointed out that while he felt confident in trusting the news reporters, Joseph couldn’t trust the words of men for something as important as religion — he had to ask God. Crandall mentioned that distinguishing truth from a feeling of affirmation helped Joseph know not to join any church and can help individuals in their personal search for truth.
“It is important that we learn to distinguish what is a personal connection and what is an absolute truth,” Crandall said. “Do we just believe something because it makes sense and it’s convenient for us? Or do we reject a truth because it would require us to change, reevaluate or admit that we were wrong?”
In closing, Crandall shared his testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel and promised individuals who would relentlessly seek truth that they could become leaders to spiritually survive. He warned the congregation that their faith would be challenged if it hadn’t yet, but that truth could make those challenges less difficult.
“We come to BYU-Idaho to continue to develop as disciples of Jesus Christ,” Crandall said. “We must look to Christ to help us discern truth, overcome the fallen world we live in and give us eternal life. As we do, we will become the leaders we need to be for the Lord to accomplish his work in our hearts, our homes, the Church and communities in which we live.”